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PERSONALITY PROFILE Dennis Law Clubs: Huddersfield (1957-59),
Manchester City (1959-60), Torino (1960-61),
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Denis Law was born in Aberdeen on 24th February 1940.
Despite being skinny and having to wear glasses to correct a squint, he
played for Powis Street School, Aberdeen Schools and Aberdeen Lads Club
before being spotted by Archie Beattie, the brother of Huddersfield Town
manager Andy Beattie.
Invited for a two week trial in 1955, he joined the groundstaff after only one week. In December 1956 he became Huddersfield Town's youngest debutant and turned professional in February 1957. At 18 years and 236 days old, Law also became Scotland's youngest post-war debutant and scorer on October 18th 1958, as Wales were defeated 3-0 in Cardiff by a Scotland side managed by Matt Busby. He joined Manchester City in March 1960 for £53,000 and once scored six goals in a match versus Luton Town that was then abandoned, wiping these goals from his career record. Torino secured Law's signature in June 1961 as the first £100,000 footballer. However, it was a difficult and unsettling time for Denis Law in Italy. After being refused permission to play for Scotland, Law walked out and demanded a transfer. In August 1962 Matt Busby secured his signature for a fee of £115,000. On his debut versus West Bromwich Albion on August 18th 1962 he marked the occasion by scoring the first of United's two goals in a 2-2 draw. A goalscorer in the 1963 F.A. Cup Final as United defeated Leicester City 3-1, he was European Player of the Year in 1964. Two Championship medals followed in 1965 and 1967 but a knee injury deprived him of a place in the 1968 European Champions Cup side. As United defeated Benfica at Wembley, Denis Law was recuperating from an operation on his injured knee in a Manchester hospital.A consistent goalscorer for both club and country he scored a then record 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland. During his 11 years with Manchester United, Denis Law captained the side, made 309 league appearances and scored 168 league goals. In the whole of his football career he scored a then post-Second World War record of 41 goals in the F.A. Cup. He rejoined Manchester City on a free transfer in July 1973 after finding out through the media that Tommy Docherty, United's new manager, was releasing him. He helped City to the final of the League Cup in 1974 where they were defeated 2-1 by Wolves. His final league goal came towards the end of the derby match when his backheeled shot gave Manchester City victory and effectively relegated United. This touch was his final one in league football as he asked to be substituted immediately and left the field a downcast man. Denis Law later talked about this incident, admitting that 'I have seldom felt so depressed as I did that weekend'. He continued playing internationals for Scotland and finally retired after the 1974 World Cup Finals in West Germany. A tempestuous character on the field he occasionally incurred the wrath of referees by retaliating after being fouled. However, his outstanding predatory instincts, lightning reflexes, aerial prowess and trademark shirt sleeves gripped in each fist won the hearts of United fans who nicknamed him 'The King'. Since retiring Denis Law has carved out a successful new career as a summariser on Radio 5. |
